Burnham Ramblers boss Wilson belives Vase exit could be a blessing

The Leslie Field side suffered heartache after losing 2-1 in Saturday’s second-round tie at home to Bethnal Green United. Visiting keeper Andy Hall produced an inspired display to shatter Ramblers’ Vase dreams.

And although “gutted” to lose, Wilson said: “It might prove a blessing, come the end of the season.

“We wanted to stay in the competition as long as possible but, realistically, we were never going to win it.

“Extra games would have put pressure on the squad and caught up with us later in the season, especially if we ended up playing Saturday-Tuesday-Thursday.

“That might have damaged us on other fronts, including our promotion challenge.

“Right now it hurts and I was gutted to lose, both for the boys and the club.

“But maybe we’ll look back at the end of the season and see it as a saving grace.

“Certainly if we go on and be successful in the league and other cup competitions, I’ll be more than happy.”

Ramblers won 2-0 on Tuesday night away to Enfield 1893 in the League Cup quarter-final first leg.

They play host to Basildon United on Saturday before visiting struggling Sporting Bengal United next Wednesday.